Did you know that July is Fibroid Awareness Month? Every month of the year sheds awareness on different medical issues, but this month I really wanted to focus on Fibroid Awareness, as this has been a very common issue for so many women, which means MOST of us can relate.
(Fibroids) Medical term for Leiomyomas and myomas, are "solid like" muscle tumours (benign)that appears on sometimes the inner, outer or sometimes within the walls of the uterus. This can sometimes cause a woman to have excessive bleeding, pelvic pain, urinary problems and the most common of all bloating. The cause of fibroids is unknown.
Working in the health care field for almost 10 years, and along side gynaecologists for almost 5, I have seen my fair share of women suffering from uterine fibroids. 1 in 3 women will develop them at some point in their life. Although fibroids is not something you can prevent, being aware and bringing awareness to others goes a very long way, a lot more than you think. Here are a few reasons why awareness is important.
1. Black women are hit the hardest by fibroids. (ages mostly ranging between 30-50, but lately I have seen a lot of young black women age 25 and younger suffering from this)
2. 90% of the time Fibroids are detected through ultrasound (There's been many incidences where the woman was unaware of her existing fibroids until an ultrasound was done) or a pelvic exam.
3. Black women are 4 times as likely as white women to receive a hysterectomy
4. A Hysterectomy is NEVER your only option. If you're not satisfied with your physicians advice do seek a 2nd or even 3rd opinion. Removing your uterus would perhaps lessen symptoms, but it would also make one permanently infertile. (which is crucial to a woman who is planning to have kids or wants to expand her family some day or in the near future)
5. Invest in a gynaecologist that can not just help you, but educate you on the issue. The more you know, the more knowledge you can pass on..Your Dr. should be able to answer 90% of your questions and concerns whilst finding the right treatment for you.
And lastly...
6. Talk to someone who you trust . As women we tend to go mute about these issues, out of shame, but so many women are suffering in silence, and we have to change and break that cycle.
For more info: make sure to visit: Thewhitedressproject.com
